1.
How do I start making pop-up cards?

Start with the card designs on this site.
I've graded them from easy to a bit more difficult. All of them work
very well when you follow the instructions.

You can also learn to design and make your own pop-up-cards. There
are some good books available (I've read some of them and I'll include
a review on this site soon).

2.
What kind of paper should I use?

Good photocopy
paper is fine. Alternatively, you may use thicker paper, like bond paper
(135 to 180 gsm) or stiff specialty papers like ‘metallic papers’.
These papers
make durable and nice looking pop-up cards.

Anything thicker than a postcard
can be difficult to work with. Try to avoid using really fibrous paper
because it doesn’t bend cleanly.

3.
Do I need a colour printer?

No you don't need a colour printer. The designs on this site look great in colour, but they also work in black and white.

4. Are there any good books?

I have listed some books below that I know to be great
for anyone who'd like to learn more about pop-up-cards and paper
engineering.

Amazon sends me small commission when someone buys a book listed on
this site. I don't go looking for commissions and will only recommend things that I think are
very good, worth checking out, and genuinely valuable. I give
20% of any income I make to charity. The rest helps pay for web hosting
and other costs. Just thought I'd let you know :)

5.
How do I get the folds to work properly?

The best way to fold your paper neatly is to fold it one way then open
it and fold it the other way.

First fold it along the dotted lines and
firmly run your finger-nail along the fold so that it is tight. Then
open it and fold it back on itself. Do this a couple of times. The more thoroughly creased the better.

HINT: Always fold your 'card' piece
before you stick the other pieces to it. Close and open the card
piece a few times.
Then make the rest of the pop-up. It's hard to fold the card later if you've already
made your pop-up. So fold the card first - promise?

6.
What is Scoring?

Scoring helps you bend the paper accurately. You don't usually need to
do it for making simple cards, but it can sometimes help.

Here’s how it's done. Get a ball-point pen which has run out of ink, or
any blunt pointed object. Run it along the fold line using a
ruler. That’s it!

The aim is to lightly compress the fibres of the paper so that the paper
folds and flexes easily. It's usually easier to score the paper before
you cut out the pieces.

7. Should I use scissors or a craft-knife to cut out the pieces?

Just scissors. That’s all you need for cutting.
Don't use a craft knife.

8.
What kind of glue works best on pop-up-cards?

The best glues for making pop-ups are those that set quickly but not immediately. A good quality paper glue
dries clear and is strong and permanent.

‘Gel’ types are great. They stick well, they are
easy to control, and you don’t need very much. They also dry faster than
water based PVA glues.

9. How much glue should I use?

Not much. Only a thin smear!

If any glue leaks it can stick to other bits of paper when you close the
card. If this happens just open the card very carefully and free up the
parts that should be moving. Don't close your card when it's wet.

10. Are pop-ups easy to make?

Each card on this site is ranked by how easy it is to make:

Easy: If you've never made a pop-up-card before then start with these
cards. Just follow the instructions.

Medium: Slightly harder but you’ll have no problems if you
carefully follow the
instructions. Make sure you fold and glue the pieces
accurately...

Master: These cards take a little while longer to make. But if
you’ve made a few pop-ups before then NO PROBS! You'll be fine!

11.
Can I write to you for help?

You bet. If you are having trouble making any card on PopThatCard.com,
or you just want some advice, then I'm happy to help. Please
write to me